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Music interventions for psychological and physical outcomes in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

Purpose

A systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of music interventions on psychological and physical outcome measures in cancer patients.

Methods

We searched six English-language databases and three major Chinese-language databases in March 2011. Nine databases were reviewed from 1966 or the start of the database to March 2011. All randomized controlled trials comparing music intervention with standard care, other interventions, or placebo for psychological and physical outcomes in cancer were included. Study quality was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group. We then performed a meta-analysis of music interventions for psychological and physical outcomes in cancer.

Results

Of 322 total studies found, 32 randomized trials (3181 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Seven high-quality studies indicated music had positive effects on coping anxiety assessed by the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Two moderate-quality studies suggested music reduced anxiety assessed by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Eight moderate-quality studies revealed music lowered anxiety assessed by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Seven moderate-quality studies demonstrated that music improved depression. Seven moderate-quality studies observed that music had positive effects on pain management. Two moderate-quality studies suggested music worsened fatigue. Four moderate-quality studies indicated music lowered heart rate. Three low-quality studies suggested music could reduce respiratory rate. Two moderate-quality studies indicated that music improved quality of life.

Conclusions

Individual randomized trials suggest that music intervention is accepted by patients and associated with improved psychological outcomes. The effects of music on vital signs especially blood pressure are small. High-quality trials are needed to further determine the effects of music intervention.

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Authors’ disclosures of potential conflicts of interest

The author(s) indicated no potential conflicts of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sports, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China

    Jun-Mei Zhang

  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

    Pu Wang

  3. Tianjin Sport University, Tianjin, China

    Jia-xin Yao

  4. State Key Lab of Virology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

    Lei Zhao

  5. The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Section of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Mellar P. Davis & Declan Walsh

  6. Department of Biomedical Engineering/ND20, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Jun-Mei Zhang & Guang H. Yue

  7. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Guang H. Yue

Authors
  1. Jun-Mei Zhang
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  2. Pu Wang
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  3. Jia-xin Yao
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  4. Lei Zhao
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  5. Mellar P. Davis
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  6. Declan Walsh
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  7. Guang H. Yue
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Guang H. Yue.

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Jun-Mei Zhang and Pu Wang share equal coauthorship.

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Zhang, JM., Wang, P., Yao, Jx. et al. Music interventions for psychological and physical outcomes in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer 20, 3043–3053 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1606-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1606-5

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